We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago……
If you were handed a copy of this record in 1971 without anything on the label…you could be excused if you believed that someone had found a lost Beatles album and released. “Straight Up” the 3rd album by Badfinger was that close an approximation to what the Fab Four sounded like in the mid 60’s.
It’s no surprise that several of the songs were produced by George Harrison who also contributes some guitar to the hit song “Day After Day” and also “I’d Die Babe”.
When Harrison became involved with the Concert for BanglaDesh (which the members of Badfinger participated in) Todd Rundgren took over production of the rest of the LP.
The record is filled with slick, solid pop with good instrumentation, lead vocals and harmonies. The fact that it sounds like The Beatles is both a blessing and a curse. Let’s face it…Rubber Soul and Revolver are great records….this is good but not at that level. And the band would be the first to admit it. They weren’t trying to be the Beatles…it just sounds that way.
Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland and Mike Gibbins are talented blokes and the songs are catchy but you are always reminded that they aren’t the Beatles…..listen to “Baby Blue” or “Suitcase” though, and you might not believe that.
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